SlingFin CrossBow 2 Mesh Drop-In

This accessory is designed for the CrossBow 2 StormPak, allowing the user to be well protected from insects, while minimizing weight with the bare-bones setup of the CrossBow 2.

For those who want a strong tent that is easy to customize, the SlingFin CrossBow 2 is a lightweight way to do it! When using the StormPak configuration, the tent user has the option to modify this open-air setup by adding the Mesh Inner Drop-In.

This accessory is a hybrid between a tent inner, and an open-bottomed centrally hung bug-net. Kinda cool, unless you need to contain your adventure dog at night! Although my pup does his job well as the group sentry, several friends on several occasions were disturbed by him outside of their tent, just watching them… :/

Specs

Weight: 10.3oz/292g

MSRP: $90

The mesh inner is installed using toggle-and-ring system

Setup: This liner easily installs to SlingFin’s proprietary web-truss system, using a toggle and ring attachment system. This suspends the mesh inner from the top like a tent inner. The four lower corners are attached by clips located in the very corners of the bathtub bottom. The perimeters of the mesh surround are held out by shock cord, which is attached at the lower corners. 

Shock cordage attaches to the inner corner of the bathtub floor

It is very easy to lift the skirt of the mesh drop-in for access

The additional material of the mesh inner naturally lies toward the center of the shelter, allowing the user to put gear, sleeping pads, etc. to create a stronger seal. A single vertical zipper makes access ‘tent-easy’, however just lifting the skirt of the drop-in proves to be quicker and easier. 

The bottom of the mesh skirt is easy to seal insects from easily getting in

A high quality no-snag zipper and mesh makes operation easy

Loops with a toggle is a no-fuss way to keep the door open

A generous size mesh pocket is on each end of the mesh-inner

With or without the rainfly, the CrossBow 2 in this configuration is extremely well ventilated. Dew point and humidity are often the main factors that contribute to condensation, so ample airflow is a must, especially with summer camping. Since this accessory is entirely comprised of no-see-um netting material, there isn’t substantial material to restrict air flow.

The liner can simply be set up and broken down with the CrossBow 2, without having to disconnect the toggle and ring attachments. This allows the mesh inner drop-in to compress within the rest of the tent, making packability an ease. 

The no-see-um mesh is that of typical high quality manufacturing quality. There are a few mesh distortions from previous use before testing, however I found no construction/durability concerns. This footprint has been tested on approximately ten overnight trips on the Appalachian Trail, and in rugged West Virginia between August and November, 2016.

Many thanks to the people out at SlingFin for the opportunity to test this product for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps!